WMU Today

WMU Today is a compilation of internal announcements for faculty, staff and retirees. Items are posted by individuals from across the institution. Click on each headline to read the complete text of specific bulletins.
Posted by Bonnie Pfingst for Merze Tate College

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM on the first floor of Sangren Hall, a campus event titled First-Generation College Student Celebration is happening. A first-generation college student is typically known as a student whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year bachelor's degree. This is an event to honor that population of students, but we welcome all current Broncos (faculty and staff included, especially first-gens!) to join the celebration and show their support. The event intends to spotlight our first-generation college student presence at WMU and the strong community of support for that population on campus. There will be food, prizes, and learning/socializing activities.


Posted by Tammy Boneburg for University Recreation
 Online Regular Registration - Deadline Nov. 20, 11:59 p.m. EST ($25.00 Race Fee)Online Late Registration - Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 ($30.00 Race Fee)Register by Nov. 1 to guarantee your shirt size!Any registrations submitted after Nov. 1st will not be guaranteed their shirt size.
Two options for registration:Just the Race (No Shirt) - $25All the Swag (Dri-Fit Race Shirt)- $40In-person registrations will be accepted up until Nov. 22 at 8:15 a.m.
Register
 
Posted by Sandra Borden on
October 19, 2025

The Center for the Study of Ethics in Society will host “When Living Becomes Assisted” at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 in Room 1010 of the College of Health and Human Services Building. The play, directed by Dr. D. Terry Williams, will be performed by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Senior Readers Theater. It offers a poignant look at one family’s struggle with the question: "When is it time for an elderly loved one to move into assisted living?" There will be a discussion afterward with members of the cast and special guest Shukurani Nsengiyumva, Program Manager for the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter. The event is co-sponsored by OLLI and the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter. For more information, visit…

Posted by Tammy Boneburg for Western Wellness

Whether you’re interested in reducing your intake of animal products or are a full-fledged vegan, this evidence-based workshop will cover the whats, whys, and hows of eating a healthy vegetarian diet. For WMU Employees, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 12:05 to 12:55 p.m., presented by registered dietician, Gretchen Kauth. Register by Monday, Nov. 10


Posted by Asif Masum for Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations

Walker Week is our annual celebration honoring Dr. Lewis Walker—the first African American faculty member at WMU—and his lasting impact on equity, justice, and community engagement. Held during his birth month, the week offers opportunities to spend time with Dr. Walker, reflect on his vision, and come together for events that inspire learning, dialogue, and action.

Throughout the week, lectures, discussions, cultural activities, and community gatherings highlight the importance of race and ethnic relations in shaping our shared future. This year’s schedule brings together students, faculty, and community partners in the spirit of Dr. Walker’s legacy.

View Walker Week Schedule


Posted by Sara Volmering for University Libraries

Join the University Libraries for an Open Access Week panel discussion on “Who owns research information,” from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in 3027 Waldo Library. 

Join Dr. Wendy Beane (Biological Sciences), Dr. Robert Berkhofer (History/Medieval Studies), and Dr. Vincent Longo (Communications) as they discuss their experiences with research and open access publishing. Professor Michele Behr, scholarly communications and OER librarian, will facilitate a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.

Sign up to attend the Oct. 21 panel discussion


Posted by Sara Volmering for University Libraries

Western faculty and instructors are invited to apply for grant funding to adopt or create open educational resources (OER) for their 2026 courses. Since launching in 2019, the OER grants have saved Western students an estimated $1.3 million in textbook costs.

The University Libraries will award up to two $3,500 grants to create an original, openly-licensed textbook and up to ten $1,000 grants to adopt an existing OER for spring, summer or fall 2026 courses. Grant applications are open now through Nov. 21, 2025.

View requirements and apply for an OER grant.


Posted by John Sweeney for Haenicke Institute for Global Education

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education is accepting applications for faculty to join the Global Classrooms Collaborative Spring 2026. Selected participants will engage in a facilitated learning community throughout the semester, following a structured process to design a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course. Support includes assistance with international partner matching, course design and intercultural pedagogy. Faculty will receive grant funding, distributed in two parts, half during the spring collaborative and the remainder following course implementation and submission of a final report.

For more information or to join one of our Global Classrooms Collaborative info sessions,…

Posted by Valerie Ott for Student Engagement
Happy Homecoming! This week, please consider donating needed items at one of our many locations around campus. The Graduate Student Association's goal is 10,000 items! Broncos helping Broncos! Link for listed locations: https://docs.google.com/…
Posted by Amie Heasley for University Advancement

The forecast for this year’s homecoming? Awesome with a 100% chance of Bronco pride! Don’t miss this annual WMU tradition. Faculty and staff receive a special discount at registration with the code WMUSTAFF10. 

WMU Alumni Homecoming Tailgate

Broncopalooza ‘25: Onward for the Brown and Gold

Saturday, Oct. 11 | Noon to 3 p.m.

WMU vs. Ball State | Kickoff 3:30 p.m.

Your trail guide to fun: College Row tents, DIY eats and unlimited beverages, music, facepainting, classic yard games, free WMU swag and more. 

Register using the code WMUSTAFF10 to join the adventure! Hope to see you there and Go…